Electric track-switch-operating mechanism.



PATENTED MAY 24, 1904.

0. W. & J. B. SQUIRES. ELECTRIC TRACK SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION 171mm JAN. 20. 1903.

N0 MODEL.

' Fig. 31.

IVE/[names THE NORNIS PETERS 00.. Pumauwm, msmuurom n. c.

a snnn'rs-snnm 2.

6 N0- 760,656. PATENTEYD MAY '24, 1964;. v 6-. w. 6; J. 134 611136."BLEGT-RIUTRAOK SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM. 6 6

. APPLICATION nun n16. 20. 1903.

I 1T0 MODEL.

mus rum on. PHQTQLITHQ. wismncmw, o. c.

Ya: no

' No. 760,656. PATENIED-MAY 24, 1904;.

' Y :0. W.& J. B. sqnmns. L 1

' ELECTRIC TRAGK SWITCH OPBRATING'MEOHANISM.

N0 MODEL APPLICATION-FILED JAN. 20. 1903.

; ,ZIIIJeIzizIm'E a t 4 g Witnesses '1': norms virus" 00.,mo-umo..WAsm-awu. n. c.

UNITED, S ATE Patented May 24, 1904.

PATENT OFF CE- CHARLES W. 'SQUIRES 'AND JAMES B'. S UIRES, orSPRINGFIELD,

MASSACHUSETTS.

ELECTRIC"TRACK-SWITCHHOPE'RATING MECHANISM;

SPECIFIGATiON forming-part of Letters Patent NO; 760,656, dated May 24,1904 7 Application filed January 20, 1903. Serial No. 139,866- (Nomodel.)

To on whom it mayconcern:

Be it known that we, OHARLESW. S UIRES and JAMES B. S UIRES, citizens ofthe United States of America, and residents of Springfield, in thecounty of Hampden and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new.

and useful Improvements in Electric Track- Switch-Operating Mechanism,of which the following is a full, clear-,and exact description. d i iThis invention relates to track-switch c0n-' trollers, and moreespecially to that. class thereof in which the switch-tongue isshiftedby an oppositely-effective electromagnetic device most advantageouslycomprised in two or more axially alined solenoid 4 coils, the movablecore for and in common to whichis directly connected with the trackswitch tongue, while an electric current is induced into either of thesolenoid-coils or other electromagnetic provisions by adistributing-switch disposed at the side ofthe roadway and having theoperation thereof. controlled by the current which drives the motors ofthe car and which passes through and'is subject;to

government by the controller of the car.

Switch operating and controlling apparatuses of the class to whichthisinvention pertains are shown and described in Letters Patent of theUnited States granted. to us February 6 and April 17, 1900, Nos. 642,943and 647,637, and in patent applied for July 2, 1902, under Serial No.114,790; I

A leading object of this invention is to provide and combine in aswitch-operating mechanism of the general character aforemen tioned asolenoid or electromagnetic device in I a circuit which may beincludedin connec-' tions between the main feed-wire and the electrictrack-switch-operating device so that the distributing-switch to causethe unimpaired feed-current directly to either of the track-switchelectromagnetic devices will be always operated with sufficient powertocertainly move the. distributing-switch to its propercircuit-establishing positionsand conelectromagnetic controlling meansfor the disof the car.

aforementioned patents, although being in some respects subordinatethereto, in that here the distributing-switch is operated in itspositive and reliable manner by the powercurrent, (which is the samecurrent as is util-.

ized directly upon the switch-throwing mechr anism,) it being onlynecessary to depend upon the current which has passed through the carcontroller and motor for actuating theelec-,

tromagnetic switch devices which bring inthe power-currentfor actuationof the distributing-switch, it being appreciated that while the currentwhich has passed through the controller and motor of the'car and perhaps been utilized to operate the lights and weak and at all timesvariable, and therefore not entirely reliable for operating theelectromagnetic devices for the distributing.

switch, which latter works against more or less .mechamcal res stance.

tirely adequate for the actuation of the electromagnetic device whichinsures the switching in of the main line-currentdirectly to theelectromagnetic device which I operates the distributing-switch of ournew apparatus.

Under-one phase of this invention the cur.- rent which controls thedirect power-current, which operates the distributing-switch must be ofgreater Strength than that required for lighting and heating the car, sothat it will be operative only when a power-current is I v The currentthrough the car-controller is, however, en-

applied to and through the motor or motors I The invention comprises ina car switch mechanism, in combination, a track-switch,

oppositelyeffective electromagnetic track- 1 .7 l, v 75 heaters thereofis sometimes comparatlvely i Switch-operating devices, a powerfeed-wire, normally open circuit connections between the feed-wire andsaid track-switch-operating devices, a distributing-switch forestablishing connection from the power-wire to said electromagnetictrack-swittzh-operating devices,

and an electromagnetic track-switch-operating device comprised incircuit-conductors between the feed-wire and a returnwire arranged to becompleted through the medium of a car andits controller.

The invention, furthermore, comprises, as secondary to the foregoing, acombination of the distributing-switch for establishing circuits directfrom the power-wire in reverse directions or oppositely effectivethrough the coils of the track-switch electromagnetic op erating device,a switch controlled and actuated by the current coming thereto throughand from the car and its controller and motor for sending the strongpower-current through the electromagnetic distributing-switch-operatingdevice, and a still further switch arranged in conjunction with suitableconductors,which is operative to shunt the current from the mainpower-wire out from the distributing-switch electrically-operateddevice, deencrgizing the latter and yet leaving the power-current stillfor an interval in connection through the one or the other of the coilsof the electric trackswitch-operating device, and, furthermore, combinedwith the foregoing are mechanical devices operative upon thedeenergizing of the distributing-switch electrical device formechanically throwing the distributing-switch after the proper intervalinto its circuit-opening position.

our invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich similar characters denote similar parts, and in which Figure 1shows afront view of the distributing-switch mechanism, the terminalplate having been removed. Fig. 2 is a side view looking from the rightof Fig. 1,with the terminal plate in position. Figs. 3 to 10, inclusive,are diagrams illustrating a series ofsuccessive positions of theoperating parts and showing the connections as well as the flow of thecurreits for energizing the track-switch soleno1 s.

The mechanism embodying the invention is preferably located in a boxsecured in a convenient place near the track-switch in order to reducethe resistance to the operating-eurrents to a minimum and where it maybe within access for inspection and regulation when necessary.

In the drawings the inclosing sides of the box have been omitted, theback board only being shown in connection with the mechanism carriedthereby, this board being designated by the numeral 10. Secured upon theboard 10 is an electromagnet 11', preferably made in the form of asolenoid, having a gravitative core 12, which is raised whenever thesolenoid 11 is sufiicientl y energized and which will drop again as soonas the current is shut off therefrom or falls below a certain givenamperage, so that when the car is rolling over the track when only theamount of current necessary for lighting and heating the car is used thesolenoid 11 will not be energized sullicicntly to raise the core 12. Atits upper end the core 12 is connected with a lever 13, the switcharm13' of which is adapted to contact with either of the metallic strips14: 15, the former of which is in constant electrical connection,through a conductor 16, (see Fig. 3,) with one terminal 17 of anelectromagnetorsolenoid 18, which is also secured upon the base-board 10and has preferably a gravitative core 19 (see Fig. 2) so arranged thatwhen the solenoid 18 is energized the core 19 will be raised and with ita vertically-movable slide 20. (Sec Figs. 1 and 2.) This slide 20constitutes the medium whereby the oppositely-effective solenoids foroperating the track-switch are onergized alternately to throw saidswitch back and forth, the controlling mechanism being so organized thateach and every upward movement will result in throwing the track-switchtongue into a diflferent position-viz., right, left, right, left, &c.sothat if the switch is originally in proper position for an approachingcar an application of motor-power will result in throwing the switchinto its wrong position, and it will therefore be necessary to makeanother application of motor-power to throw the switch back again.

The slide 20 may be guided on screws 21, passing through slots 22 in theslide and held in the solenoid-supports 23, and it may be connected withthe core 19 by a horizontal extension 20, secured thereto, while aguidestrip 24: and clip 25 may serve to support the left side of theslide, as shown in Fig. 1.

The functions of the slide 20 are, first, to alternately make and breakthe circuits alternately established between the track-switch solenoids;secondly, to throw a switch in these circuits to prevent sparking and toassist in closing these circuits at the right time, and, thirdly, to setin operation amcchanism whereby the core 19 will be at first permittedto gravitate at a comparatively quick speed and subsequently be retardedsufiicicntly to permit a car to pass the track-switch before the circuitto the solenoid controlling the trackswitch is broken, a circumstancewhich would result in leaving the latter free to move at will, and thusbe liable to cause accidents and derailments.

The mechanism for making and breaking the circuits alternatelyestablished for the track-switch solenoids to throw the switchtongueback and forth comprises an insulated plate 30. (See Figs. 2 and 3 to 6,inclusive.)

Disposed on this plate are a series of terminals 31 32 33 34, preferablycqu1d1stant from each other and around a common center, so

vede'se plished by the upper face 40 of a bunter 41,

secured to or forminga part of the slide 20, 1 striking one of the fourpins 38 and after turning the carrier 36 oneseighth of a rotationsliding past said pin to the limit of its upward stroke. The pins 39,which are. also four in number, are placed midway between the pins 38,but in a different plane therefrom, so that when one of the pins 38 hasserved its purpose of rotating the carrier to theproper position duringthe upper movement of the slide one of the pins 39 will be in positionto be engaged by the lower face 42 ofa bunter- 43, also forming apart ofthe slide, the bunters 41 and43 also being in different'plan-es .andmoving in alinement with the pins-38 39, respectively.

Furthermore, the bunter 43 is so disposed that it will cause the properamount of rotationof the carrier before the. slide 20 has completed itsdownward stroke.

Hence it will be understood that when the member is horizontal, as shownin Figs. 1,

3, and the slide 20 is now moved to the limit of its upward stroke, themember 35 will rapidly pass the position shownv in Fig. 4 and be placedas shown in Fig. 5, thus elec.

'trically connecting the terminals 32 and 34.

Likewise inasmuch as the full downward movement of the slide will resultin.rotatingthe'carrier 36 for ano'thereighth of .a rotation it followsthat-the member 35 will then occupy a vertical position or at rightangles to that shown in Fig. 3, thus leaving the terminals 31 32 33 34independent orisolated as.

before,

Theqmechanism for performing the second function of the slide 20viz.,that of throwing a switch to assist in closing the circuits, forthe'track-switclrsolenoids at the proper, tin1ecomprises a lever 50, theswitch-arm of which is adapted to contact with the, terminal 51 or tosever its connection therewith. The preferred device for properlyshifting the switch-arm 50 is clearly shown in Fig. 1, in which '52denotesa link pivotallysupported on the arm 50 andp fovided with a pin53, adapted to be engaged by the upper face of a bunter 54 during thelast period of the upward movement of the slide 20viz. after the slidehas substantially completed its work in rotating the carrier 36. Thelink 52 is also provided with another pin 55; adapted to be engaged bythe lower face of the bunter 54 duringthe downward movement of the slideand when the latter has substantially completed its work in rotating thecarrier 36 for another eighth of a revolution.

The mechanism for accomplishing the th'ir function of the slideviz.,'the retardation of the downward movement thereof after it has reachedthe limit .of its upward stroke and after the solenoid 18 has ceased-tobe energized-includes what may be termed a rack 60, secured to the slideand movable therewith. (See Figs. 1 and 2.) The upper 'end of thisrackis preferably provided with notches 61 6263, adapted sucessively toengage pins 64 65' 66,respectively, of a disk 67, carrying a pair ofindependent spring-pressed pawls 68 69, the former of which is inengagement with aratchet-wheel 70, while the latterserves to turn theratchet-wheel 71',

both ratchet-wheels beingpreferably similar in size. .The ratchet-wheel7 O is secured upon a spindle 7 2, which carries nearits other end agear .73 in engagement with a pinion 74, considerably vsmaller than saidgear, while the ratchet 71 ,is attached to a sleeve 75, loosely mountedon the spindle 72 and attached to a pinion, 76, so as to move in unisontherewith.

The gear 76 is also in engagement with a lantern-pinion 78, secured on aspindle 79, which has an escapement-wheel 80, the movement of which isintermittent by virtue of a pawl 81, provided with ar pendulum-weight82. It follows therefore that when the disk.

67, to which an oscillatory movement is imparted by the reciprocation ofthe rack 60, is moved in the direction of arrow (4 both pawls 68 and 69will slide over the teeth of the ratchet-wheels 7O 71, respectively,until the pawl 68 will be raised entirely out of engagement with itswheel 7 0, this result being achieved by a-cam-plate 83, formed on or tothe frameof the retarding mechanism and engag ing a pin 84, carried bysaid pawl 68 and projecting through an aperture 85, provided there:

for in the disk 60, this aperture being of sufk.

ficient size topermit the pawl to be disengaged from the ratchet, aswill be readily understood.

The organization of the mechanism above described is therefore such thatthe leverage exerted bythe pawl 69 onto the gear 77 and the pendulumactuated thereby. is greater than that exerted by the pawl 68, and henceit is evident that when the pawl 68 israised and the pawl 69 operatesthe pendulumthe vibrations of the latter will be more rapid than they,can be when the pawl 68 is operating the same,provided, of course, thatthe power applied to the pawls is uniform in both cases. i

Now, since the upward movement of the slide 20 results in rotating thedisk 67 sufficiently'to bring the pawl-pin 84 nearly to will be activein rotating the disk 67 back the rear end of the camplate-83, the pawl69 again at a comparatively high rate of speed, thus permitting the rackand the slide 20 to gravitate rapidly for a certain distance, at leastuntil the upper face 90 of a secondary bunter 91, also carried on theslide 20, has arrived at a position below one of the pins 39, so thatwhen the solenoid 18 is again energized before the slide has descendedsufficiently to reestablish contact between the switch-arm 50 and theterminal 51 the carrier 36 may have rapidly imparted to it anothereighth of a revolution to reverse the circuits leading to thetrack-switch solenoids, as will be hereinafter described.

The system of permanent electrical connections between the severalterminals is fully illustrated in Fig. 3, in which F denotes a feed-wireor source of energy connected with a fuse from which a conductor g leadsto one end. of the solenoid 18 and also to the strip 14. The other endof the solenoid 18 is connected, through a conductor h, with both theterminals 32 31 and also with the switcharm 13. The strip 15 isconnected, through a conductor 2', with the switch-arm 50, and from thestrip 51 a conductor j leads to terminal 33. which is connected, througha conductor 76, with one of the track-switch solenoids I, while theother terminal 34 is in electrical communication with the track-switchsolenoid II, both. of these solenoids being oppositely effective forthrowing the trackswitch tongue T in opposite directions. Thereturn-wire from the track-solenoids'l and II is indicated by I and isgrounded on the track. The permanent connections for the solenoid 11consist of a conductor m, leading from a metal strip at of aninsulating-block B to one terminal of the solenoid 11, the otherterminal of which is connected, through a conductor 0, with anothermetal strip 2), also secured upon the block B. The strip at isconnected, through a conductor q, with the main trolleywire, which isherein indicated by W, having a certain portion P insulated from themain wire, cut-outs being preferably employed to accomplish this result.

Although the wire section P is, as has just been stated, insulated fromthe main wire WV, yet electrical energy is supplied to it from saidwire, but indirectlyviz., it being connected, through a conductor a,with the metal strip 12 above mentioned, so that consequently wheneverthe section P is in any manner connected with the rail or grounded thecurrent must necessarily energize the solenoid 11.

Now the section P is grounded whenever From the foregoing it will beseen that when the switch-tongue is not in proper position for anapproaching car, the trolleywheel of which is running on the section P,it will only be necessary to operate the controller of the car so as toapply power to the motor, whereupon the current will become effective toraise the core of the solenoid II,

which action will result in establishing a circu it for operating one ofthe track-switch solenoids to shift the track-switch tongue into itsrequired position.

Inasmuch as the solenoid 11 serves only for the purpose just mentioned,it may properly be called the primary current, while both the solenoid18' and the circuits controlled thereby may be called secondary.

The operation of our improved mechanism is clearly shown in Figs. 3 to10, inclusive, in which Fig. 3 illustrates all the connections existingbetween the several terminals and the solenoids with their respectiveconnections, while in the succeeding figures only the active currentsare traced. to facilitate a clear understanding thereof.

In Fig. 3 no current is active and the circuits are all open. When themotorman of the car operates the handle of the controller E, a currentis immediately establishcd,as follows: from the main wire W, throughconductor q, strip a, wire on, solenoid 11, wire a, strip wire 9',section P, trolley-pole 1). controller E, motor M, and the track-rail orreturn. This current will energize the solenoid 11 and raise its core,thus bringing the switcharm 13 into contact with the strip 15, as show uin Fig. 1, and establishing a secondary current, as followsi wire W',plate 11, wire ll, fuse f, wire g, solenoid 18, wire it, arm 13', strip15, wire '21, arm 50, wire j, wire Z", solenoid T, wire Z, and track.This current therefore energizes the solenoid 18, the core of which willinstantly rise to its highest position, carrying the slide 20 with itand turning the member 35 from the position shown in Fig. 3 to thatshown in Fig. 5, so that Fig. 1 in reality represents only an instantlytransitory condition, the movement of the core of the solenoid beingsufliciently rapid to imme-,'

diately open the circuit leading to the solenoid 1 and closing that forsolenoid 11. (See Fig. The solenoid II is now in a closed circuit, sothat the switch-tongue T will be thrown over. The next step will be theaction of the motorman shutting off the power, thus releasing thesolenoid 11, the core of which will immediately drop, and thus returnthe arm 13 to its normal position, (see Fig. 6,) which also shows thesolenoid 18 out of circuit, so that its core, with the slide 20, is nowat liberty to descend, this movement beingat first rapid and thenretarded in a manner above described. The particular object of theretardation will now be apparent, viz: It permits the circuit for thesolenoid to remain closed for a sufiicient length of time to hold theswitch-tongue until the car has had a chance to pass over the switch, aperiod of about fifteen seconds in actual practice, after which themember 35 will be moved to break the circuit by the slowly-descendingslide 20 and into the position shown in Fig. 7 when all circuits areagain open, and no waste of power can take place in consequence.

Let it now be supposed that the switchtongue had been shifted into thewrong position when the power was applied. Then there is still a remedyto correct the undesired or wrong condition by merely shutting ofl thepower long enough to allow the solenoid, 11 to drop its core andalsofto'permit the slide 20 to make its rapid portion of descent untilthe bunter 91 will have arrived below the carrier 36, (at which pointthe rapid descent stops and the slow descent begins,)- whereupon anotherapplication of power will result .in bringing the member 35' intoposition to .connect the nextpair of terminals, either 32 .34 or 31 33-,as the case may be, thereby energizing the other track-switch solenoid,and

consequently reversing the switch again. It is of course evident thattheswitch-tongue may thus be caused to be thrown back and forth as longas the trolley is incontact with the section P and as often as thecontroller opens and closes the power -'circuit when the car is thusplaced, each'power admission throwing the member 35 at least one-eighthof a revolution.

Referring again to Fig. 6, it is here shown that the solenoid II'isenergized, the energiza- .tion continuing until the core of solenoid 18has arrived near the end of its descent, when all thecircuits are openand the member 35 is vertical, as seen in Fig. 7 The. next ap--,plication of motor-powerwillin the same manner as previously describedthrow the arm 13 into contact with the strip 15, thus again energizingthe solenoid 18, raising the slide 20, and turning the member 35 pastthe position of Fig. 8 into that shown in Fig. 9,

so that now the terminals 31 and 33 are electrically connected, and thusestablish the circuit for solenoid I.

When now the core of solenoid 11 is released by shutting off thepower-current, the arm 13 will be'discon- .nected from the strip 15,(see Fig. 10,) thus shunting the solenoid 18 and vpermitting its coreand the slide 20 to descend, as before,.so

that when the slide 20 has arrived at the lower end of its stroke themember 35 will again be in the position shown in Fig. 3, leaving allthecircuits'again open.

In conclusion attention 1s lnvited to the fact that while the mechanismabove described constitutes an automatic device for opening the circuitsfor the track-switch solenoids the primary solenoid is an expedientwhereby the secondary circuits may be established from a car on thetrack and that when it may "be deemed preferable a hand OperatedleVermay be substituted for throwing the arm 13' into and out of engagementwith-the strip 15.

It is'also obvious that many changes maybe I switch-operating devices,and an electromag- Y netic distributing switch operating devicecomprised in circuit-conductorsbetween the feed-wire and a return-wirearranged to be completed throughthe mediumof a car and its controller.is

v 2. In a track-switch-operating mechanism,

the combination with a primary member, and

ment of the primary member, of a track-swi tch movably controlled bysuccessive similar movements of the secondary solenoid-core.

, 3. Ina track-switch-operating mechanism, 1

'a secondary solenoid controlled by the movethe combination with aprimary solenoid and i .a secondary solenoid controlled by the movementof the coreof the primary solenoid, of; a track-switch reversible byeach successive similar movement of the secondary core.

. 1. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary member, a secondary solenoid controlled by the-.move ment of theprimary member, of'a pair of op- .positely-efiective solenoids alternatly energized during successive upward movements of the secondary core.

I In. a track-switch-operating mechanism,

the combinationwith a primary solenoid having a gravitative core, of asecondary solenoid, means for energizing the secondary'solenoid duringthe upward movement of the primary core, and a track-switch'solenoidcontrolled by the movement of. the secondary core.

6. In a track-switch-operating'mechanism, the combination with a primarysolenoid hav inga gravitative core, of a secondary solenoid having agravitative core controlled by the movement of the primary core, and atrackswitch solenoid energized during-alternate movement of thesecondary core. 1

7 In a track-switch-opermting mechanism,

the combination with a primary solenoid having a-gravitative core, and,a secondary solenoid having a gravitative core controlled by themovement of the primary core, of a pair of oppositely-effectivesolenoids alternately controlled by the movement of the secondary core.

8. In a track-switch-operating mechanism,-

the combination with a primary solenoid having a gravitative core, asecondary solenoid controlled by the movement of the primary core, of apair of oppositely-effective solenoids alternately energized duringsuccessive upward movements of the secondary core.

9. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with a primarymember, a secondary solenoid, and means for energizing the secondarysolenoid by the movement of the primary member, of atrack-switchsolenoid controlled by the movement of the secondary core, and amechanism for retarding the return movement of the secondary core,during its movement after the release of the secondary core.

' 10. In atrack-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary member, a secondary solenoid, and means for energizing thesecondary solenoid by the movement of the primary member, of atrack-switch controlled by the movement of the secondary core, and amechanism for retarding the return movement of the secondary core duringits movement after the release of the secondary core.

11. In a track-Switch-operatin g mechanism, the combination with aprimary member, a secondary solenoid, and means for energizing thesecondary solenoid by the movement of the primary member, of a pair ofoppositelyetfective solenoids alternately energized during successiveupward movements of the secondary core, and a mechanism for retardingthe return movement of the secondary core during its movement after thedeenergizing of the secondary solenoid.

12. Inatrack-switch-operatingmechanism, the combination with a primarysolenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of the primarycore, a slide controlled by the secondary core, of a mechanism forretarding the slide during its movement after the release of thesecondary core.

13. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of theprimary core, a slide controlled by the secondary core, of a mechanismfor variably controlling the movement of the slide during its returnstroke.

14. Inatrack-switch-operating mechanism,

the combination with a primary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlledby the movement of the primary core, a slide controlled by the secondarycore, of a differential-speed and variable-power-resistance mechanismfor variably controlling the movement of the slide during its returnstroke.

15. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of theprimary core, a slide controlled by the secondary core, of an escapementmechanism for retarding the slide during its movement after the releaseof the secondary core.

16. In a track-SWitch-operating m eehanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of theprimary core, and a slide controlledby the secondary core, of anescapement mechanism and means for varying the movement of theescapementwheel thereof, variably controlling the movement of the slideduring its return stroke.

17 In a track-switch-operatin g mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of theprimary core, a slide controlled by the secondary core, of an escapementmechanism and differential gearing for variably controlling the movementof the slide during its return stroke.

1 8. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of theprimary core, and a slide controlled by the secondary core, of a pawlmovable with said slide for engaging said retarding mechanism.

19. In atrack-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with a primarysolenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of the primarycore, a slide controlled by the secondary core, and a rack carried bysaid slide, of an escapement mechanism, a pawl-carrier in engagementwith said rack, a pawl on said carrier for engaging said retardingmechanism, and means for maintaining said pawl out of engagement withsaid retarding mechanism during the initial return movement of thesecondary core.

20. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of theprimary core, a slide controlled by the secondary core, and a rackcarried by said slide, of an escapement mechanism and a pawl-carrier inengagement with said rack, a pawl on said carrier and for engaging saidretarding mechanism, and a stationary cam.

21. In a track-switch-opcrating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid and a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement ofthe primary member, of a pair of oppositely-eiiective solenoidsalternately energized during successive upward movements of thesecondary core, of a distributing-switch member controlled by themovement of the secondary co're, controlling the track-switch solenoids.

22. In a track-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the movement of thecore of the primary solenoid, of a pair of oppositely-eifectivetrack-switch solenoids alternately energized during successive upwardmovements of the secondary core, a distributing-switch membercontrolled. by

secondary core.

the movement of the secondary core, intermittentlygrotatable to make andbreakthe circuits of the track-switch solenoids alternatelyQ 23. In atrack-'switch-operating mechanism, the combination with a primarysolenoid, and a secondary solenoid controlled bythe movement of the coreof the primary solenoid, of

a pair of oppositely-efiective solenoids alter- I ing-switch member andmeans for shifting said member to close the circuits of the trackswitchsolenoids during the upward movement of the secondary core, and meansfor shifting said member to operate the track-switch circuits during thedownward movement of the 25. In a traCk-switch-Operating mechanism,

7 the combination with aprimary solenoid, and

a secondary solenoid controlled by the opera-- tion of the primarysolenoid, of a pair of oppositelyefl"ective track-switch solenoids to bealternately energized during successive 'upward movements of thesecondary core, and

, distributing-switch member, of a rotatable dis tributing-switch-membercarrier, and means for intermittently rotating said carrier.

. 26. In atrack-switch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, and a secondary solenoid controlled by the operationof the primary solenoid,'of a pair of oppOsitely-eflective track-switchsolenoids, to be alternately energized during successive upwardmovements of the secondary core, and a distributing-switch member,- of arotatable switch-member carrier having sets of pins disposed indiflerent planes, a slide controlled by the secondary core and havinglbunters for engaging said pins, alternately, during the movements ofsaid slide in opposite directions respectively.

27.. In a track-sWitch-operating mechanism, the combination with aprimary solenoid, a secondary solenoid controlled by the primary I one,and a pair of oppositely-effective trackswitch solenoids, to bealternately energized during successive upward movements of thesecondary core, of a reciprocatory slide movable in' one direction toenergize the trackswitch circuits and movable in the other direction tobreak the track-switch circuits.

28. In a trackswitch-operating mechanism, the combination with a primarysolenoid, a

,cuit.

38, In combinationa primary circuit in" secondary solenoid controlled bythe primary one, and a pair of oppositely-effective solen oids, to bealternately energized during suc cessive upward movements of thesecondary core, of a reciprocatory slide and means for energizing one ofthe traclcswitch solenoids during a partial movement-of said slide inone direction, and subsequently shunting-the secondary solenoid.

29. In a track-switch-operating mechanism,

the combination with a track, of a car movable thereon, and having acontroller, a trackswitch, and a main trolley-wire, comprising a livesection insulated therefrom, of a primary solenoid controlled by acircuit including the insulated trolley-wire section, a secondarysolenoid, controlled by the movement of the primary solenoid, and atrack-switch solenoid controlled by themovementof the core of thesecondary solenoid.

30. In a track-switch-operating mechanism,

the combination with a track, a car movable thereon,- and having acontroller, and atrackswitch, of a main trolley-wire, comprising 'alivese'ction insulated therefrom, a primary solenoid controlled by acircuit including the insulated trolley-wire section, and a conductorfor supplying energy to said insulated section subsequent'to its passagethrough said primary solenoid.

3L In a switch-controlling device for rail.-

roadsin combinationa primary-circuit in which are comprised asolenoid-magnet and an insulated section of conductor, a secondarycircult in which are comprised another SOlQDOldE magnet, aclrcuit-changlng switch, and a trackswitch-operating magnet; means bywhich the primary circuit and solenoid-magnet are utilized to establisha current in the secondary cir cuit, and means by which the current soestablished in the secondary circuit is again broken by the operation ofthe circuit-changing switch comprised in the secondary circuit. I

. 32. In combinationa primary circuit in which are comprised asolenoid-magnet and an insulated section of conductor, a secondarycircuit in which are comprised anothersolenoid-magnet, acircuit-changing switch and a track swltch operating; magnet; means bywhich the solenoid in the primary circuit on being energized,establishes a current through thesecondary circuit; and means by whichthe solenoid in'the primary circuit, on being deenergized, shunts thecurrent so established in the secondary circuit, from'the solenoidmagnetcomprised in the said secondary cir' which are comprised asolenoid-magnet and an insulated sectlon of conductor; a secondaryc1rcu1t in which are comprised another solenoid-magnet, acircuit-changing switch and a track swltch operating magnet; means bywhich the solenoid, in the primary circuit on being energized,establishes a current through the secondary circuit; means by which theso- Signed by us at Springfield, lvlassachusetts, lenoid in the primarycircuit, on being deenin presence of two subscribing witnesses. ergized,shunts the current so established in CHARL-FS r SQUIPFS the secondarycircuit; and means by which JAMES 5 the current in the secondary circuitis again L broken by the operation of the circuit-chang- Witnesses: ingswitch comprised in the said secondary WM. S. BELLOWS, circuit,substantially as set forth. A. V. LEAHY.

